St. Ann's Bay Baptist Church

Founded on October 1, 1827, The St. Ann’s Bay Baptist Church was established by missionary Thomas Bromley. It was initially established to serve a congregation made up of enslaved and newly freed Africans, but the church quickly became both a religious and educational institution as many of its minsters were schoolteachers.

The original building was destroyed by the Baptist War of 1831-32, as many Baptist churches would have been targeted due to their support towards the enslaved population. This had left many ministers including Rev. Samuel Nichols to relocate, leaving the church without a pastor. Fortunately, the church was rebuilt in 1834 under Rev. James Coultart. In a symbolic act of liberation, newly freed Jamaicans gathered at the church and buried their shackles on August 1, 1838.

The church had unfortunately experienced another devastating fire in 1893. The church was once again rebuilt. Following their renovations, the church has continued to create projects to further serve the community such as the addition of a daycare center, offices, a prayer room and improved sanitation facilities.

The church is designed in the shape of a cross and includes elements of Georgian design such as tall, narrow windows, symmetrical doorways, and decorative brick and stonework at the front of the church. Though the renovations have been modernized, many of its historic features remain intact. Today, the church continues to serve the community under the leadership of Rev. Karen Kirlew.